Humanity is constantly trying to find alternative ways to obtain energy. And sometimes inventions proposed by scientists look extremely unusual. For example, researchers from Fudan University (China) have created an energy generator capable of extracting energy from blood flowing in human blood vessels.
The invention is based on carbon nanotubes. Chinese researchers led by Huisheng Peng have developed a fiber with a thickness of about 1 millimeter. The principle of operation of the device is as follows. Carbon nanotubes cover the entire surface of the core of a polymer fiber-based device. The core is called a fiber-shaped fluidic nanogenerator (FFNG).
If you connect it to electrodes and place it in a saline solution or ordinary running water, it will start generating electricity. This happens because an electrical double layer is created around the fiber, and the flowing solution distorts the symmetric charge distribution. The power output efficiency of this system was found to be quite high. Compared to other types of similar miniature devices, FFNG is 20% more efficient. The advantages include good elasticity and the ability to adjust the length of the nanofiber.
According to the creators, FFNG is the best option for use in wearable electronics and medicine as sensors that collect electricity from the bloodstream. According to the authors, the first stage of FFNG testing on frogs was successful.
Vladimir Kuznetsov
